Dundalk Karate celebrates junior and senior grading

Smiles all around were on the menu following an intensive grading under Sensei Fran Nangle 8th Dan, and Head of Dundalk Karate, Sensei Mary Marcus 4th Dan, where Junior Members of Dundalk Karate, Gemma Kelledy and Jacob Vilivsis were awarded their 4th Kyu (Purple Belt) and Eviyna Vilivsis was awarded her 8th Kyu (Yellow Belt).

Also under scrutiny was Dundalk Karate's very own, Thea Mulholland who spent every extra minute in the dojo training over the past few months to be prepared for her 1st Dan grading.

This is where hard work, dedication and commitment came into play, and without hesitation Sensei Fran Nangle 8th Dan and Sensei Mary Marcus 4th Dan congratulated Thea on an excellent grade and awarded her, her 1st Dan to everyone's delight.

Afterwards, Sensei Mary said, "It was a privilege to watch not only our Junior Members grade and pass, but it was a pleasure to be part of Thea's grading panel and to see Sensei Nangle giving his seal of approval and promoting Thea to 1st Dan.

"Thea has been a huge asset to Dundalk Karate, and not only did she grade to 1st Dan this week, but as a club, we were delighted to be able to award Thea with a Louth Local Sports Partnership Volunteer of the Year Award 2024.  Congratulations, Sensei Thea Mulholland 1st Dan."

Following the gradings, all members of Dundalk Karate were thrilled to have the opportunity to train with Sensei Nangle, where not only hard work was on the menu, but training with fun for all members regardless of age.

Following this class with guest instructor Sensei Nangle, members were then delighted to be presented with a medal from Sensei Nangle for not only attending this class but also for giving it 100% which made Sensei Nangle return home to Dublin with the knowledge that every member went home smiling having learnt something new.

Dundalk Karate who have their dojo in the Redeemer Family Resource Centre, cater for all ages and abilities, if you would like any further information on their classes, you can contact Sensei Mary Marcus 4th Dan on 086 353 1625 or karatequeen@live.